What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

Episode description

The animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford almost seems the stuff of legend. Looking back from today, it’s hard to say how much there really was or if it was all conjured up by the studios and the press. But after hearing stories of the two and how things went after they collaborated on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, it’s clear that there really was a... competitive nature, let’s just say, between the two women. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Bette Davis series with Robert Aldrich’s 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?.

We talk about the two actresses and what they bring to the film, notably their iconic personas from the decades of acting previously as well as this catty relationship (not to mention their powerhouse performances). We look at the film and the darkly horrific way it’s made, fitting the bill nicely as a psychological thriller made by auteur Aldrich. We look at Ernest Haller’s gorgeously moody black-and-white cinematography and how well it pairs with Michael Luciano’s taut editing. And we tie up our Davis series by looking at what she brought to all the films we’ve discussed and the iconic status she has.

It’s a dark film that’s incredibly fun too, in a way, and is certainly worth both watching and discussing. So check it out then tune in!

Film Sundries
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? by Henry Farrell
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
Trailers of the Week
- Andy's Trailer: Jackie — "There are a lot of exciting trailers playing right now, but as we finish up our series about a strong actress, I wanted to pick a trailer featuring another strong actress leading what looks to be a very interesting film. We all know the story of JFK but I know next to nothing about his first lady, particularly her time immediately after his death. Natalie Portman looks great and the film looks incredibly compelling. Count me in."
- Pete's Trailer: Kong: Skull Island — "Yup, this has to go down as one of the most comically terrible trailers I’ve ever seen. I know it’s going to be a big movie, but this thing gives away everything exciting about a monster movie: the damned monsters. All of them. The size and scale, the variety, the colors and sounds, it’s all given up in two minutes. If you know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from getting myself all spoiled. But seriously, Kong: Skull Island … if there’s a worse offender on screen right now, I’d love to see it."

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